Northern Arizona Authors Association meets in Williams

WILLIAMS—The Northern Arizona Authors Association will meet in Williams on June 8 at 10 am. The meeting will be held at the Wild West Junction on Route 66. Any writer, or perspective writer, is welcome to attend. Please bring something to read.

Larry Conners: KMOV ‘Forced Me’ to Read a ‘Misleading Statement’

Former KMOV anchor Larry Conners is doubling down on his claim that the IRS targeted him after a tense interview with President Obama. In a statement this morning, Conners said he can “finally speak in response to the allegations labeling me a ‘tax cheat’, ‘tax fraud’ … because of a misleading statement the [sic] KMOV forced me to read.”

Conners said KMOV “dictated” a statement for him to read on the air “which sounded as if I withheld information to infer a connection between President Obama and the IRS action, and which I was not allowed to amend or explain.”

More at MediaBistro

Take Precautions to Prevent Hantavirus

Residents, visitors urged to protect themselves against the Hantavirus

FLAGSTAFF, AZ––As warmer temperatures and wetter weather return to Northern Arizona, so does the threat of Hantavirus, a rare but fatal disease spread by infected rodent droppings.

The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) reminds the public to take a few precautions when entering and cleaning sheds, garages, campers, cabins, barns and other buildings to protect themselves from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).

“As preparations for summer activities begin, we want to remind everyone to take the time to use appropriate precautions when entering and cleaning structures and buildings,” said Kimbal Babcock, CCPHSD Interim Chief Health Officer.

HPS is transmitted to people who come into contact with or breathe the urine, droppings and saliva of wild mice, primarily deer mice. The illness starts with fever, headache and muscle aches, and progresses rapidly to severe difficulty in breathing and, in some cases, death.

The last reported case of Hantavirus in Coconino County was reported in 2007, but to prevent HPS, public health officials recommend the following:

Proper clean-up methods:

  • Open all door and windows, leave them open for 30 minutes before cleaning.
  • Do not stir up dust by vacuuming, sweeping, or any other means.
  • When rodent droppings or nests are found in and around the home, spray them liberally with a household disinfectant and allow them to soak for at least 15 minutes. Any rodent droppings and rodent nests should be sprayed with a pesticide to kill fleas before disinfecting or disposing the carcasses.
  • After disinfecting, wear rubber gloves and clean up the droppings with disposable materials such as paper towels, rags or disposable mop heads.
  • Seal all materials, droppings or nests in double plastic bags and dispose of them in the trash.

Rodent-proof your home:

  • Prevent rodents from entering the home by plugging or sealing all holes and gaps to the outside greater than 1/4-inch in diameter. Use steel wool, thick wire screen, metal flashing or cement to seal holes.
  • Eliminate or reduce rodent shelter around the home by removing outdoor junk and clutter, and by moving woodpiles, lumber, hay bales etc., as far away from the house as possible.
  • Do not make food easily available to rodents. Do not leave pet food in dishes. Dispose of garbage in trash cans with tight-fitting lids.

Certain forms of outdoor recreation, such as camping and hiking, can pose a risk for Hantavirus exposure.

  • A few precautions should be taken, including:
  • Campers should not pitch tents or place sleeping bags in close proximity to rodent nests, burrows, or in areas of heavy rodent activity.
  • Before use, properly clean tents and other camping gear that have been stored where rodents may have had access.
  • If possible, do not sleep on the bare ground and zip tents closed to keep animals out.
  • Use only bottled water or water that has been disinfected by filtration, boiling, chlorination, or iodination for drinking, cooking, washing dishes and brushing teeth.

Flagstaff plane crash victims identified; second crash out of Page

FLAGSTAFF, PAGE—The victims of the plane that crashed departing Pulliam Airport in Flagstaff yesterday have been tentatively identified as 59-year old Matthew Sulivan Mezger of Sacramento, California and his 54-year old wife Mary Patricia Hughes.

The cause of the crash of the Beechcraft 336 single engine plane is still being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The investigation by the Coconino County Sheriff’s department in cooperation with other agencies indicates that the couple spent the weekend in Flagstaff and flew out of Pulliam airport on Tuesday intending to fly to Bryce Canyon, Utah. The plane crashed at about 11:45 in the Mountainaire neighborhood of Flagstaff.

The Sheriff’s office also investigated a plane crash out of Page Tuesday at 4 p.m.

The dispatcher of the Page Police Department received a cell phone call from the passengers of a downed aircraft 5 miles east of the Page Airport in the vicinity of the Navajo Generating Station.

The Sheriff’s Department, Navajo Police Department and Page Fire Department responded and located a privately-owned, twin engine place out of Nevada.

The plane had left New Orleans heading to Nevada with planned fuel stops in Texas and Page, Arizona. According to statements, the fuel supply expired approximately 5 miles prior to the Page Airport.

The passengers reported only minor injuries to the pilot.

Investigation of the plane crash will be conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

Multiple Agencies Respond to Aircraft Crash Killing Two People

Flagstaff, AZ –– Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a call for an airplane crash near the community of Mountainaire. The call came into the 911 Dispatch Center at approximately 11:45 am on 5/28/13 from a citizen in the area who witnessed the crash and fire. Before arrival of emergency responders, several citizens attempted to extinguish the flames and attend to the occupants. Two occupants of the plane are reported deceased on scene.

The plane is reported to be a small single engine plane, privately owned, and with a registration out of California. The plane had attempted take off out of the Pullium Airport in Flagstaff, AZ. The crash occurred south of the airport and within a hundred feet of residential structures in the Mountainaire community near the end of Tonawanda Rd.

Fire crews of the Highlands Fire Department and the Bear Jaw Wildland Fire Crew responded to the crash as well as a wildland fire ignited by the crash. The wildland fire was contained at approximately ¼ acre. Several trees were in the path of the plane. No structures were damaged by the crash or the wildland fire.

Multiple citizens as well as other agencies assisted the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office in the response including Department of Public Safety Officers, DPS Ranger helicopter crew, US Forest Service Law Enforcement, US Forest Service wildland fire crews, Highlands Fire Department, Bear Jaw Wildland Fire Crew, and Guardian Medical Transport.

The identity of the occupants is still being determined and will not be released until notification of next of kin. Investigation of the plane crash will be conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

Memorial Day recap

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WILLIAMS—A parade, the Kiwanis Swap Meet, and a free swim were the order of the day for the Williams Memorial. The members of the American Legion Cordova Post #13 lined route 66 with the American flag on Saturday and Monday.

The Grand Marshal for the parade was Carla Lugo of Williams. Carla is an Army as a logistics readiness officer set to deploy to Afghanistan in July. Leading the Grand Marshal was the American Legion Cordova Post #13 color guard.

The Bearizona shuttle made its debut this week also participating in the parade. The bus makes a run throughout the City of Williams to pick up passengers destined for the park. The bus picks up starting at Denny’s Restaurant at ten-minutes after the hour. At twenty-minutes after the hour the shuttle picks up at the Williams Visitor Center with a pick-up at the Wild West Junction at the half-hour. The shuttle bus allows you to visit the park and take the open-air bus, take in the raptor show and stroll through the walk-through area. The normal park entry fees apply.

Two new businesses opened just in time for the holiday weekend. Glenn and Linda opened Treats N Treasures candy store next to the Sultana for their mother. The store features candy, ice cream, sodas and other great treats and souvenirs you won’t find in other stores. Ivo, with wife Christine, have opened up their beautifully decorated restaurant next to Addicted to Deals.

The free swim signaled the opening of the Williams Aquatic Center for the summer season. The Kiwanis Swap meet brings deals into Williams that cannot be found elsewhere. The swap meet attracts visitors—including a lot foreign tourist. The swap meet also causes less of a blight on the landscape of Williams than the smokers allowed on the sidewalk outside of the bars.

3 Must Have Herbs for Stress Reduction

by Christina Sarich
May 26th, 2013
Natural Society

Are you mentally exhausted and feel as if you can’t face one more stress in life? It’s becoming widely accepted that stress is a significant cause of illness and disease overall, so it’s important to manage this dilemma in any way possible. There are three Ayurvedic herbs that can greatly support the restoration of the central nervous system, adrenal glands, and brain so that you can face life’s challenges with ease and grace. We all face challenging times, and a little natural therapy can go a long way in helping to support us as we look head-on into the world.

Here are 3 must-have herbs for reducing stress.

Read more at Natural Society

Ivo’s restaurant opens tonight

Ivo stands in front of his restaurant

Ivo stands in front of his restaurant

ivo-20130510 003

Christine adds finishing touches to indoor scenery.

WILLIAMS—They problem with Ivo and wife Christine is that they are so friendly and outgoing, they stopped to display their artwork and answer the major question of locals—When are you going to open? That delayed them from opening their new barbeque restaurant.

Well, the answer is today is the day. Ivo will have his Grand Opening tonight at 5 p.m.

While Ivo worked on the internal equipment and other matters, Christine turned her talent to the internal decor turning the walls into an indoor forest.

So if you are looking for a place to eat tonight, you can check out Williams’ newest restaurant.

Violence breaks out in the streets of Williams.

cowboys-20130523WILLIAMS—The Northern Arizona Gazette heard rumors of gunshots ringin’ out on Bill Williams street in downtown Williams Wednesday ’bout 7 in the eve. Of course that made us suspicious and we sent out our investigative reporter to find out what was goin’ on. He never returned, but we did find his Browning and extracted this photo confirming our fears. Those polecats of the Cataract Creek Gang have apparently returned from their winter hiatus in the Bahamas (Hey. They ain’t too bright, but they do got style!) to rob banks and argue over women.

Now you can’t ‘cuse these boys of being zactly a candle in the window. So we pretty much worked out where these polecats will be hanging out. If you want to give these boys a wide berth, remain clear of these areas at 7 p.m. through June.

‘Course we spect that you will ignore our warning and crowd around to see the show. None of us locals are brave ‘nough to file any reports to the Sheriff, so you folks is on yer own.

What’s the Difference Between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?

freedom-bannerBoth Memorial Day and Veterans Day are federal government holidays that honor American military personnel. However, one honors all past and present American veterans, and the other is set aside to remember specifically those who have died in battle.

Here’s the history of each holiday and a breakdown of the differences between them:

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, which in 2011 falls on May 30. The day is predominantly for honoring and remembering military personnel who died while in the military service, particularly those who died in combat or as a result of injuries sustained during battle.

Memorial Day was originally celebrated under a different name. After the Civil War ended in 1865, people began dedicating certain days to placing flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers who had died in the war . In 1868, former Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, the head of an organization of Union veterans, established May 30 as Decoration Day. The holiday’s name was formally changed to Memorial Day in 1882.

Read more at Live Science